THE FEDERATION OF POLAR ISLANDSTATES ROSTER FOR COPA RUSHMORI XNation Name: The Federation of Polar Islandstates
Shorthand Nation Names: The Federation, The FPI
Demonym: Polarians/Valhallans
Team Nickname: The Terns
Official Supporters Group: The Twitchers (as in, birdwatchers)
KIT COLOURS:Courtesy of Barrengeka Kits, Astograth:
HOME STADIUM:HOME SUPPORT: The Ostkurven - Home of the Twitchers
FULL ROSTER:(Caps in brackets indicate appearances from the bench)Coach: Joachim Schwartz, 48 Sol Kirkkegaard's shoes are going to be tough to fill, and Joachim Schwartz is, at least for now on an interim basis, the man whose job it is to do so. The new FPIFA chairman's first job will be to appoint a permanent manager. They seem to be taking their sweet time about this however, so Joachim's tenure is lasting at least as long as Copa Rushmori X. As former winners of the tournament, much will be hoped for from the Terns, not least because Schwartz is promising sweeping changes to counter the stagnation that seemed to be setting into the national team. A revolution is coming. It will be televised. Schwartz is hard-nosed and tough to win over, however, he values loyalty and hard work more than flair and showboating, so keep your nose clean and work hard, and you'll go far in his eyes. He formerly pushed hard for the inclusion of wingers in the Terns squad, but in his quest to deliver a passing defensive game, he will be sacrificing them once more to the bench as he seeks to show all he learnt tactically as Kirkkegaard's assistant. In his short time in charge so far, he has already made great strides towards working with youth team coach Gregorz van der Riise when it comes to the challenge of developing the next generation that needs to take over from this collection of also-rans, and the youth element is keenly felt in the squad, with an average age of just 25.1 years old.
Assistant: VariousAs he is technically only interim manager, Schwartz has seen no point in awarding an assistant role on a permanent basis. However, three of the other senior members of staff on the bench will be fitness coach Duncan Kanchelskis, 42, first team coach Johannes Kallstrom, 39, and opposition scout Matteus Sigurdsson, 47.
#1 - GK - Lars Hegg Gammel - Age 33 - Avidia United (Krytenia) - 124 Caps, 1 AssistLars moved abroad to Cotdelapoms in order to try and win a place in the Terns squad, fearing he'd never get the chance if he stayed stuck behind Atle Andreasson at SK. The move paid off, replacing first Atle on the bench, and then Karlsson in the starting line up. His talent is undeniable, and his quick reactions were key to the Terns claiming the third place medal when they did, keeping their only clean sheet of the finals as they beat Krytenia 1-0. Following the collapse of the Cotdelapomais league, it was this performance that alerted his presence to Krytenia giants Avidia United, for whom he now earns his living. Quite simply the best Polarian goalkeeper ever seen.
#2 - DR - Zacharias Juul - Age 26 - Jan Mayen Islanders - 70(4) Caps, 4 Assists, 5 GoalsSo often the bridesmaid and never the bride, Juul has waited patiently for his chance in the first team, and hasn't looked back since winning the starting position on a permanent basis as the Terns lifted the Copa Rushmori VIII title. He is fast, a natural leader, and calm and confident on the ball, and will make waves at this tournament as they Terns attempt to retain their title following his move to Jan Mayen Islanders.
#3 - DC - Julius Oyen-Spekke - Age 23 - Resolute Storm 1913 FC - 6(5) Caps, 3 AssistsQuietly putting in matchwinning performances isn't easy in the Federation League, where every move is scrutinised and caught on camera, but playing for a club outside the big four has helped. Oyen-Spekke is a young defender upon many hopes rest, and his promotion to the starting XI here is seen as something of a risk by Schwartz. That, however, is what Schwartz is here to do, so Oyen-Spekke gets his big break. His agility and ability in the air is almost unmatched, and for sheer athleticism he'll be hard to beat.
#4 - DC - Torre Urfstadt - Age 26 - Club ESF (Valanora) - 56(13) Caps, 1 Assist, 2 GoalsUrfstadt is one of the most exciting players to come from the Torshavn ranks in a long time, and was been a crucial part of Torshavn's continued presence in Divisjon One, and a vital component in their Cygnus Cup winning squad. This brought him to the attention of Vanorian scouts, and a big money move saw him playing in the VSL. Fast, powerful, and one of the few shining lights in the Terns' World Cup campaign, now the finer points of positioning and leadership reveal themselves to him, he is a truly formidable defender, the likes of which the Federation hasn't seen since Niko Marek. Expect his 6'8" frame to be a danger in the opposing penalty box as well.
#5 - DL - Edvar Folke - Age 25 - SK Franz Josef City - 47(3) Caps, 2 Assists, 2 GoalsWith the retirement of Steffan Pekarik after what was a fairly uninspiring World Cup run, Sol wasn't overly bowled over by the performances of his back up, Robin Arnfeldt. Therefore, with the left back position completely open, in from a string of performances in the U-21s comes the pair of Baalsen and Folke. A hugely dynamic presence in the defence, Folke plays his way for SK after leaving the King's League, and his huge promise has impressed enough to deserve the starting position, his exciting runs being a particular highlight. Schwartz has kept faith with the SK full back since Sol's departure, and this consistency at the back can only help the side.
#6 - DMC - Jorgen Hauge - Age 30 - Battle (Zarbli) - 137(4) Caps, 24 Assists, 13 Goals - CAPTAINA well established played in the Zarblese Duke League, Hauge was snapped up by Battle from Cross SC a few seasons ago, and hasn't looked back since. Now a regular in the starting lineup for the Terns, his marauding hatchet-man presence in front of the defence means attackers can't relax for a second. A long future in the national team beckoned for Jorgen, who is impressively large even by Polarian standards, and he has a fearsome reputation that has led to him being given the captain's armband, such is the level of importance he holds for the Terns. If he does his job correctly, it allows others to do theirs more easily, and he sees everything that happens on the pitch. Not bad with and from set pieces, either.
#7 - MC - Niko Lepka - Age 24 - Jan Mayen Islanders - 11(17) Caps, 15 Assists, 2 GoalsNot many would have expected such an experienced and calm reader of the game to reside in a body just 24 years old, however, Sol saw the talent this young midfielder has to bring the table, and has brought him in in repeated squads now, after a number of short cameos offered mere tasters of what he is capable off. Playing for Atletik Thessia and RVA before moving to Jan Mayen, he was well experienced and highly thought of in both Mytannion and Erathore before his subsequent move to the Islanders, who are looking to use him to replace their long standing Swartazian playmaker Krivac. He likes to give as good as he gets, physically speaking, but real skill lies with distribution, and he is seen as the next worthy successor to Demarchelier as a truly creative presence in the midfield. Certainly one to watch as he is part of the Schwartz revolution for sure.
#8 - MC - Emrahn Vik - Age 24 - Jan Mayen Islanders - 4(1) Caps, 2 Assists, 1 GoalWith Henning Tir's decision to retire from international football, and Artur Rochemback's less than impressive cameos at the last Copa, and now Jorgen-Franz Bru's unfortunate injury, Emrahn Vik is being handed the chance in the starting lineup rather earlier than he had anticipated, but does so with the full blessing of Schwartz. With a box to box game type, you are just as likely to see Emrahn smashing in a shot from the edge of the box as you are to see him make a block on the edge of the other box minutes later. May be still learning, but the move to Jan Mayen is drawing him wonderfully out of his skin.
#9 - ST - Ellis Elmsvikur - Age 25 - Royal Rumiatzi (Astograth) - 17(17) Caps, 3 Assists, 15 GoalsMuch is hoped for from Elmsvikur this tournament, as he seeks to replace the dropped Amadeus Irndtor. Imposing and athletic, Elmvikur is the complete package. Fast, nimble, packed with stamina, a dead ball ace, good in the air, and with a lethal shot. He can play as a poacher, or as a supporting striker. You name it, he can do it, and has done. Very highly thought of in the Iturributan league, he nonetheless ditched Iturributa for the Astograthi league in the form of Timo Skye's former side, Royal Rumiatzi, and will need to work hard here to justify his huge transfer fee to the world. It remains to be seen how popular this will make him. His star is one to watch with nearly one goal in two for the Terns so far, and he will be a key part of Terns sides in the future. At 25, he and Kvitchenko are just starting to mature together into this Terns side, and are seeing the attack starting to be based around their plays.
#10 - MC - Alexsandr van Sorensen - Age 27 - Petardos S/A (Cafundéu) - 92(46) Caps, 51 Assists, 66 Goals - VICE-CAPTAINShining light of the side Alexsandr is only 27 and entering his devastating best form, but he seems to have been around forever. Played a vital role for Jan Mayen before his move to Cafundéu where he continues to impress and is learning every day, impressing the scouts from Petardos S/A enough to be offered a contract. Suffers from rare brain condition synaesthesia, meaning his senses get muddled up in his head, but manages to not let this affect his attractive attacking play - indeed, if anything it seems to help him. Captained the U-21s in the Draggonnii Inviyatti, showing his leadership on the pitch for which he has been granted the vice-captain position in the squad this tournament, and likes to link in from the midfield, which is where he plays for Petardos S/A, as where as where he will play in Schwartz's new look Terns side despite retaining his iconic number ten jersey. Almost certainly an all-time legend already, and he is without a doubt the Terns' key player at this tournament, potentially of all time. Anything good will likely come through him, and at 27, if the Terns are going to use one of the best players in the world (probably) to propel them to another title... now is the time...
#11 - ST - Diedrich Kvitchenko - Age 25 - East Franz Athletic - 11(18) Caps, 1 Assist, 11 GoalsWith eleven goals in his few appearances so far, Kvitchenko is looking like developing into a lethal striker, and is capable of playing out wide left or right and cutting in if required to do so. He is fast, and likes to use this to surprise defenders, changing direction and making a darting run that finishes in a first-time shot before many are even aware he changed direction. His ability to find space like this has been likened to witchcraft by a few defenders, and though he might not touch the ball much during the match, when he does, he uses it efficiently. Let's face it, there were two Polarian strikers in the CC-winning East Franz squad, and the nigh-on legendary Henning Blonqvist wasn't the one that made the Terns squad. Yeah. That good.
#12 - GK - Jan Rasmus - Age 28 - FC Axel Heiburg - 6(2) CapsFrom his early days at the U-21s squad, it was clear to all that Jan Rasmus has talent. Finally, after several seasons working the penalty area at FC Axel Heiburg and becoming a real goalkeeper you can trust, he has been called up once more to the senior squad, so that he may add to his small collection of caps. A trustworthy backup, just unfortunate to be in the same generation as Gammel. Would be first choice in almost any other Terns squad.
#13 - GK - Piotr Hemjann-Bezelhov - Age 24 - Jan Mayen Islanders - 3(1) Caps24 is still plenty young for a goalkeeper, and you'll be sure to be hearing the tongue-twisting name of Hemjann-Bezelhov for a long time, yet. Gammel is one of the best goalkeepers the national team has ever had, so chances in the first team may be limited, but PHB will be ready to take them when they appear. Taking over the first gloves at Jan Mayen since Mathias Marek's sudden move abroad has been something of a baptism of fire for the keeper, but his reflexes and speed off his line have kept him right. Still learning, but plenty of potential.
#14 - DMC - Andrej Einmark - Age 23 - North Star Grímsey - UncappedApparently, Schwartz isn't much of a fan of Finnibaturinn. Or, maybe he's just selecting the players he knows best, the majority of which are naturally going to be players he's watched at home. Andrej is a fine defensive midfielder in the making. Though a little way off where Hauge was at his age, he nonetheless was the standout player for North Star in Divisjon 2 this past season, and with them failing to gain promotion, he can't surely be staying there for much longer. His range of passing is excellent, and if he takes his pointers from Hauge as is surely intended, then he could be a ready-made replacement.
#15 - DL - Luka Baalsen - Age 26 - East Franz Athletic - 8(17) CapsOne of the stars of van der Riise's Chicks side for many years, this East Franz left back has impressed hugely during East Franz Athletic's run to being Champions' Cup title-lifters and hugely deserves his repeated call ups to the main Terns side. One of many youngster who has waited patiently for the legendary Pekarik and de Huyer to retire, he will seize this chance with both hands if given the chance to by Edvar Folke. Fast and intelligent, Baalsen can drill the balls in from long distance like a missile, so keepers will need to beware of his ability.
#16 - DR - Dima Petersen - Age 23 - Ituraitz FC (Astograth) - 8(15) CapsWithout much history in the national team, Dima is one of the wave of talented young wing backs the nation seems to be awash with at the moment, and following some impressive performances in the World Cup, Sol has handed the man based in Ituraitz another call up. He is lithe and nimble, quick to change direction and a difficult marker to shift. His tackles are, well, when he tackles you, you stay tackled, put it that way, and his ferocity and determination is a key part of why Sol has called him up.
#17 - MC - Eyvindur Sudesval - Age 22 - Montbenoit (Saugeais) - UncappedHaving captained the u-21s in the past, Sudesval comes to the senior side with a wealth of experience already in his back pocket. Confident is his own abilities, he lets his football do the talking, and this quiet individual can often be seen practising alone if left to his own devices. Strong in the air and full of potential, his fitness levels are astonishing, able to run end to end for 120 minutes if needed to. Boast a powerful shot as well as some developing vision in the game, he's a pro all-round midfielder just waiting to burst through.
#18 - ML - Kjetil Huytspurr - Age 24 - FC Axel Heiburg - 1(1) Caps, 1 AssistOne of a few players called back into the squad by Schwartz after periods away from it, Huytspurr is well known in the Federation League for his devastating pace and ball control down the left side of the FC Axel Heiburg midfield. His striking is frequently lethal when he cuts in from the outside, and used opposite of Jon Kjaer the pair of them could be a hugely successful tactic for the Terns. However, with Schwartz's move back towards a winger-less midfield, he may have to be patient to win his third cap.
#19 - MR - Jon Kjaer - Age 28 - Mar Sara FC (Valanora) - 53(14) Caps, 22 Assists, 6 GoalsKjaer was another victim of Sol's tactical preference when it comes to his national side potential, and following Schwartz's appointment as Sol's replacement, he drops once more to the bench. Nonetheless, he seems to have always been around, and the fact he's only twenty-eight catches many by surprise, as he had been a regular and feared feature of the SK starting lineup for many a year. His move to Valanora seems to have made him even more potent, and his crossing is keen and deadly. The speeds with which he can change direction appear to have only slowed very slightly, and he is in the form of his life right now.
#20 - ST - Lewis Bergen - Age 26 - FC Cape St Paul - 1(2) Caps, 1 GoalYes, Bergen is back. The journeyman striker has finally settled it would seem, and set us shop nicely for St Paul this past season, impressing enough to earn a call-up as the third striker in the squad. Fourth if you count AvS. Schwartz sees big potential in Bergen still, and his height and strength as a lone striker could offer something different to the Terns. As impact substitutes you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone that could shake up a tiring defence, and he has been known to send defenders flying like skittles once he gets his large frame up to speed. Bluntly, he's Schwartz's battering ram.
#21 - AMC - Vladimir Konovalov - Age 22 - Royal Rumiatzi (Astograth) - UncappedWith a developing reputation in Astograth, and many glowing reports from scouts, Vladimir Konovalov is called up to the Terns for the first time in his life. Bursting with enthusiasm, the young playmaker will be itching to get a chance to use his fancy footwork on the international stage, and his vision is second to none. Perhaps his choice of when to run with it and when to execute that vision could perhaps be a bit better, but at only 22 years old, there's plenty of time to learn how best to shape his raw talents into the finished article.
#22 - DC - Nico Tchepikov - Age 21 - FC Cape St Paul - UncappedYounger cousin of Brede Tchepikov, who plays for Renneville United in Osarius, Nico was all ready to accept his callup to van der Riise's u-21s side when it was suddenly retracted without warning. Though initially disappointed, Nico was all smiles the next day when he got the phone call from Schwartz, and is one of very few players who are going to make their Terns debut whilst still eligible for the u-21s. Strong, fast, and an excellent reader of the game, Tchepikov is looking like turning into a great defender, and his appearance in the squad is exciting for all involved.
#23 - DC - Olivier Kindahl - Age 23 - FC Axel Heiburg - UncappedAnother uncapped player moving into the squad is Olivier Kindahl. Schwartz has long advocated his inclusion into the senior side, claiming Sol overruled him and took Dahl at the last World Cup, but now Schwartz gets his way, and maturue-beyond-his-years Olivier gets the call-up at last. Nearly as tall as Urfstadt, Kindahl is as you would expect, a terror in both boxes, and his marking skills are second to none. His accurate long range passing from the back can often be the start of a devastating counter-attack if the forwards use their initiative, and he looks to be the model of a libero in the making. Hugely exciting talent.
TACTICS:
The Polarian game is fast, quick, and physical. They won't give you a second on the ball to think, and they won't hold back in the tackle. In the centre of the park they will play a possession based midfield game, though a defence splitting pass could come at any moment towards the fast and direct attack. Oyen-Spekke, Urfstadt, and Hauge will act as the defensive triangle, and van Sorensen, Elmsvikur, and Kvitchenko will counter at the other end as the offensive triangle. Lepka and Vik will be part of a compact midfield, allowing overlaps from the full-backs. This is the predicted first-choice starting lineup based on the squad numbers assigned, though as this is Schwartz' first tournament in charge, anything could happen.
2-3-3-2
-------------------------- Gammel --------------------------
------------- Oyen-Spekke ------ Urfstadt ----------------
--- Juul ------------------ Hauge ----------------- Folke ---
------------- Vik ----- van Sorensen ---- Lepka -----------
----------------- Elmsvikur -- Kvitchenko ---------------
Modification: -2
Record going into Copa Rushmori X:
Played 239, Won 135, Drawn 47, Lost 57, Scored 476, Conceded 277, Goal Difference +199
Top Goalscorers:
Timo Skye - 117
Alexsandr van Sorensen - 66
Patrick Ackermann-Finn - 57
Most Assists:
Luc Demarchelier - 73
Ole van Jendrisen - 68
Alexsandr van Sorensen - 51
Penalty Taker: Ellis Elmsvikur/Jorgen Hauge
Free Kick Taker: Alexsandr van Sorensen/Niko Lepka
Corner Taker: Alexsandr van Sorensen/Edvar Folke/Zacharias Juul
THE OPPONENT CANChoose my goalscorers? Yes
Godmod scoring events? Yes
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, and I reserve the right to change the severity in a follow-up RP
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, but only 2 per match maximum
Godmod other events? TG me first, but I'm always open to ideas